From the EMCC National Board
At our September 2021 EMCC Board of Directors meeting we received, with regret, Jim Hazzard’s notice of resignation from the position of Board Moderator due to ongoing health concerns. After prayer and deliberation, the National Board has appointed Rev. Scott Clubine to the Board Moderator role until the end of his board term, at the conclusion of Assembly 2023. We would like to thank Jim for his steady hand of leadership during his time as Board Moderator and are glad that he will remain on the National Board until his term concludes. We ask you to join us in prayer for Jim’s healing and for a knowledge of Jesus’ presence with him at this difficult time. Please also be in prayer for Scott as he assumes the Moderator role and for the entire Board as they continue to follow Christ’s leading for the EMCC.
The National Board also wishes to thank Brian Archer for capably stepping in as Board-Appointed National Team Lead while President John Cressman was on sabbatical. Brian Archer will continue to serve as “second” to the President during the next 4 years. This recognition is not about succession but rather a contingency should anything happen to the President. The National Board celebrates the spiritual gifts and servant hearts of our National Team.
The National Board and National Team want to thank our pastors and church boards for providing prayerful, discerning leadership as we navigate these challenging pandemic waters. We continue to receive calls to make statements concerning all matters related to Covid restrictions. We have collectively agreed to handle each of these situations through individual, case-by-case conversations. So instead of making statements that, frankly, often lead to division, we choose to be available for and provide coaching through our Regional Ministers when needed. As a national family of churches, with varied provincial guidelines, we continue to encourage you to work through this at the local church level, pursuing unity and love. We encourage you to persevere in your mission as a local congregation and as disciples of Jesus. We encourage you to make room for all perspectives; bearing with one another in love. We encourage you to find ways to serve all who seek to worship our Lord. We encourage all to safeguard the health of your people and communities and protect the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3).
From the EMCC President
After 30 plus years of ministry, it was a such gift to have a sabbatical this past summer. I thank Jesus for His refuelling on every level: spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. And so, I have returned to responsibilities with gratitude, renewal, perspective and focus. Thanks for your prayers. There were a number of sabbatical lessons I will look to share in the days ahead.
The National Team gathered in person in September for the first time in a long time. Some team members met each other for the first time face-to-face. The result was an amazing experience of trust-building and team building. Your prayers are appreciated as we work to strengthen our team to serve you better. We are in the process of identifying a Properties Manager, someone who will be the point/resource person for all matters related to properties at the local church level and EMCC-owned properties. We are searching for a Communications Manager to enhance our communications. We are proactively recruiting Regional Minister support in Ontario, particularly following the retirement of Claran Martin. Pam Hicks is shifting her focus from finance to World Partners administration and support. Pray for the National Team as the Spirit prompts. We are grateful that the financial support for our Common Cause remains stable.
Mark Your Calendars
On December 14, 2021, we will host another EMCC Family Chat–an opportunity to hear updates and dialogue on the themes, future, and plans of EMCC. We are also scheduling at least three Family Chats in 2022. Details to register for any of these Chats will be available here. All are welcome. The focus of December 14 will be to explore our EMCC Compass Points–our priorities for the days ahead.
Click here to register for our December 14 Family Chat.
We are planning for Regional Gathering experiences in 2022 that will be both in-person and online. We are working to host in-person gatherings in Alberta and Ontario, venues are being determined. The theme for the gatherings will be: “Future-Ready.” Regional Gathering–West will be April 22-23, 2022 and Regional Gathering–East on April 29-30, 2022.
EMCC Communications
October 22, 2021
Click here to download a printable PDF version of this update.
